Herbs: Rosemary Fact Sheet

Origin:

Rosemary originated in the Mediterranean and eventually spread to the United States and Europe. More than a mere herb, rosemary is actually a two-to-five-foot tall evergreen shrub. Besides its culinary uses, it has served as decoration and as an ingredient in medicines and fragrances. Dating back to 500 B.C., rosemary has often been a fragrant symbol of love, friendship and remembrance. Rosemary is also associated with Christmas, and is thought to be one of the herbs found in the manger with Baby Jesus. Certainly, rosemary's vivid pine scent conjures up images of the winter holidays.

Health Properties:

For centuries rosemary was used to treat nervous system ailments. Today it's used in aromatherapy to enhance the senses and boost memory. Though these aroma-therapeutic uses are far from proven, there are promising, ongoing clinical studies supporting rosemary's health-protective benefits. Rosemary contains antioxidants — carnosol, one of its strongest, may play a preventive role in cancer and cholesterol oxidation.

Where to Find It:

In Nature: Sunny environments with light, well-drained soil. Rosemary is typically found near breezy oceans, such as in California. It can be cultivated outdoors in mild regions or indoors in harsher climates.

At the Market: Rosemary can be found in fresh whole sprigs, fresh or dried in whole-leaf form and in powdered form, although rare.

How to Spot It:

Aroma & Flavor:

Aroma & Flavor:

The leaves have a spicy pine aroma with a strong lemon-pine flavor.

Fresh vs. Dried:

Fresh is typically best to use when cooking with rosemary. When preparing soups or other long-cooking dishes, dried rosemary works fine. As with most herbs, two teaspoons of fresh rosemary will provide the equivalent flavor of one teaspoon of dried rosemary.

Cooking Tips:

For the best lemon-pine flavor of rosemary, crush or mince a small amount of the fresh leaves in your hands prior to use in cooking.

Dip rosemary branches in olive oil and use as a meat baster.

Use rosemary stalks in place of stainless steel or wooden kebab skewers.

Just for grilling: Strip leaves from fresh rosemary stalks for use in cooking; place stalks on coals to scent food as it grills.